Playing on an Uneven Field

We expect sports to be fair and equal—everyone who tries out has a chance to play and everyone who plays hard has a chance to win. But is that really true? In reality, female athletes are paid far less than their male counterparts. Youth sports often cost too much for many families to participate in. African American athletes continue to face discrimination both on and off the field. Adaptive sports are considered to be only for those with disabilities. But there are signs of progress as sports organizations try to promote equality and fairness. This study explores the intricacies of inclusion and exclusion in sports.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Yuya Kiuchi is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University. His research interests include popular culture, youth culture, African American Studies, technology, and sexuality.

Edited by Yuya Kiuchi

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 223
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliographies, index
Copyright Date: 2019
pISBN: 978-1-4766-7714-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3548-4
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments v
Introduction (Yuya Kiuchi) 1
Soccer Saves the World? The Complexities of Using the Global Game for International Development (Andrew Guest) 15
The CONIFA World Cup for Unrecognized States (Glen Duerr) 33
Homophobia in Sport: Who Can Play? (Cedrick Heraux) 55
Behind the 8-Ball: The Status of Gender Inequality and Discrimination in Sport (Meghan E. Fox and Francisco A. Villarruel) 77
Sportswomen in Wheelchairs: Doubly Discriminated Against but Duly Impressive (Linda K. Fuller) 99
Discrimination or Oversight? Making Disability Visible in the Sport Management Classroom (Joshua R. Pate and Robin Hardin) 109
As American as Football, Basketball and Oppression Pie: An Analysis of the Evolution of Racial Policing in American Team Sports (LaToya T. Brackett) 129
“Eleven wretched women”: Gender and the Summer Olympics (Benjamin James Dettmar) 150
“They still call us Indians”: Colombian Racers and the Barriers of Race, Class and Nation in the Tour de France, 1983–1985 (Corey Shouse) 166
Being Good Neighbors: Aston Villa Football Club, Community Engagement and Corporate Social Relations (Danielle Sarver Coombs and Jake Kucek) 185
About the Contributors 207
Index 211

“Each author’s essay is well researched and concise, adding a new facet to the perceived world of sports. Likewise, each is supported by voluminous data…The retelling of athletes’ experiences learning firsthand that the playing field is neither level nor fair will be sobering to readers. This work effectively illustrates that there is much contested equity behind every game, race, tournament, and triathlon that still needs to be addressed and resolved. …recommended”—Choice